Diverging agendas between the developed and developing nations resulted in the failure of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Cancun, Mexico, two months ago. But, writes International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, the outcome of the meeting should not be cause for despair. She explains why the trade talks collapsed and calls on the WTO to focus on areas where convergance of views exists.
MUCH has been said about the outcome of the 5th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cancun and its negative implications, in particular, for developing countries seeking greater market access for their exports.